“I don’t know how you stay in a position of leadership without having to do a whole lot more explaining about that,” Nelson said.

Lt. Governor Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) made the statement below following news reports regarding the Office of the House Speaker:

“Senate leadership and I are greatly disappointed by the inappropriate actions and attitudes revealed in recent news reports. Every person who interacts with the state legislature should be treated with the utmost respect. It is deeply troubling that some have fallen short of this standard. Tennesseans expect and deserve better from those who serve the public trust. Senate leadership is united in our commitment that members and staff continue to uphold the standard Tennesseans demand of their public officials.”

Womens’ advocates say the lack of other leaders calling for Casada to step down is yet another troubling example of legislative impropriety and mistreatment of women among state lawmakers.

House controversy

“It makes me just despair because it is 2019,” Executive Director of the Memphis Area Women’s Council Deborah Clubb said.

She says she was stunned to learn of the latest scandal in Nashville.

“What’s been revealed is what’s always been there,” she said. “I think it’s been the way of business in the capital for a very long time."

The TBI says they are in contact with the state’s District Attorneys General Conference to determine appropriate actions.

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Kendall Downing grew up watching WMC Action News 5 from his hometown in Tipton County. After spending several years reporting in Indiana and Kentucky, he made his way back to the Mid-South. Watch him weekdays at 5 and 6 p.m.